Side Skirt Opinions
 

Didn't want to jack the other thread. I like the look of sideskirts, but I'm afraid to keep adding stuff to my car. At what point does it become too much? Will the skirts add to or detract from the car? I don't want to look like I belong at NOPI. Opinions, please.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../DSC000774.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...DSC00187-1.jpg

You should put a poll on this thread.


I vote SKIRT IT!

Grizzly,

My opinion would be the mods you have done to your car are simple and tasteful. I really like the full areo kit on a 996 or 997, but it somehow gets a little "overdone" on a Boxster. If you add the sideskirts, then a different front bumper cover is required, then the rear looks out of place; you add a big wing and on and on...

Sometimes simple is a good thing.

I agree with jmatta, if you are going to add side skirts then be prepared to add at least a new front bumper. If the front isn't too aggressive then you will not have to do the rear. Of course it won't stop there because then you will want to lower the car, and so on, and so on....

That being said, I just ordered the Caractere Turbo style bumper with TechArt side skirts, H&R coilovers, and I am having some fun with the interior too. Modding is like crack, it addictive

Hey Grizzly, I know you respect the opinions of others here, otherwise you wouldn't ask, but do what makes - you - happy :) . If you want to mod it, do it. I wouldn't not do it because others told me it was silly, in their opinion.

For me the only thing - I - added to my ride was the OEM short shifter, but it did come with 15K of options though.

If you feel it - do it :D

Cheers :)

Keep in mind, some opinions are wrong. I steer clear of those. That's why I say...

Nope. Don't do it. It will push it over the edge.

Your bumper is too smooth for that kind of visual transaction. It will look line-y, plasticy, and cheapish.

I put your car on a design dyno and well, I think this chart best sums up your mods.

http://www.kryzak.com/storage/986-coolnesschart.gif

What you want to do is shoot for is a level 10 coolness level. I think you're car is cresting out.

I might swap the sideskirts for the difusers. Might get a little busy with the spoiler.
Sideskirts are a must have with 19" wheels.
THe Boxster looks a little unfinished to me without skirting. Too much deadspace under the doors.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...15_76_full.jpg

Wow. What you people are saying to Grizzly makes me wonder what you say about my car behind my back... wait, you can't do that because I read every thread. Never mind.

I have diffusers and side skirts. It doesn't detract from anything and I'd never go back to owning a boxster without side skirts.

The sides of the 986 are just too plain without them. Just be sure to buy polyurethane.

PS - A new front bumper is not required. It's already at the right height for skirts.

PPS - What red blooded man doesn't like staring at a new set of skirts? :D

I agree with the first part. Skirts, diffuser, and spoiler -choose only 2.
As for the deadspace, the solution to that is a subtle lowering.

I think color makes a difference. On a darker car, I think the lines show up less -so it looks acceptable. On a lighter color, you can actually see where the skirts attach. I think that's what makes it not work as well specifically for Grizzly's car. Believe it or not, the painted side vents contribute to this potential busyness fiasco that's about to unravel IF he decides he wants to start wearing skirts.

Hey Grizz,
I don't know...IMHO, I think I'm the only so far that would say that your car looks awesome the way it is!

Anyway, good luck with your decision! :cheers:

Nope, I said it too.

A set of Aerokit 1 sideskirts could look good......

Or the GT3 replicas Perfectlap has could suit the car very nicely as well

I think the decision to lower the car should never have looks as a factor. I
Well for me at least, that's a 100% performance mod. Giving up travel for the sake of looks is just crazy to me. That's a performance mod that really depends on the roads you will be driving. Around these parts the roads are terrible. Reducing travel on rough roads will only beat up your car, things start to come loose, wear prematurely($$$) and those new rattles drive a man nuts. The car is set up for excellent handling right out of the box, unless you do a fair bit of track/autox I don't see more upside than downside with lowering springs on rough terrain.

The skirting gives the impression of a lower car without giving up travel. A double win for me. And the price is great bang for the buck.

p.s.
Difusers are great because with just the skirting only the line of the car has the rear end sitting too high up off the ground. Not really as noticeable with the front end. The only problem is that with lighter colors the difusers look tacked on vs. the seamless look of a euro rear OEM 03-04 bumper. I don't know if its too risky but I would be inclined to shape the aftermarket difuser onto the bumper itself so there are no seams...and cross your fingers no one ever backs into you.

Looks good as is!
 

I wonder if someone where to add side skirts to a 550 spyder to give it a more modern look an add some interest to the bland sills? I think you peaked out with what you have done and between those '03 side vents and the 19" death defiyers you have it in the bag. Also why add more weight to a car, even the little extra from the skirts? I am trying to think of how to lose a little weight rather than add to it. I understand the urge to keep on going is strong but let me add this: Someone once said that you "need the artist and someone to tell him when to stop"

So stop already,

AKL :cheers:

say where are the Apple and photoshop guys when the thread needs them?

Beautiful ride!

Trieullionaire

I say add them, but get the Aerokit II sideskirts. The curvy looks would look great and really add to the overall look.

The addition of the side skirts won't add more than a couple of pounds to the car. The factory GT3 side skirts I bought weigh almost nothing, but really add to the looks IMHO. I still need to get mine painted, so I haven't installed them yet.

You don't really need to change the bumper out, as you already have a 996 bumper installed. I prefer the GT3 bumper, but like the 996 bumper too.

There will always be those that prefer not to change a thing from the stock look, and there are those that prefer not to look like everyone else. I think the mods you've done so far are very cool and tasteful. We've all seen what going too far looks like.

Based on everyone's opinion, I've decided to add one skirt to the passenger side.

Seriously, I'm still open to opinions but thanks to everyone who's responded so far.

At this point, I think I'm leaning toward leaving it as is. The reason I asked for opinions in the first place is that, as much as I like them, I suspect that the skirts may be too much.

IMO, Jeph's car is probably the most tasteful on the board, so I tend to listen carefully to what he has to say...not to mention that the design dyno never lies.

I also agree that Randall can get away with additions that I can't because his car is black (that's cheating, Randall).

Thanks again.

So far, everything on your car looks like or is a factory piece. If you went with factory type side skirts or the gt3 look ones, it would look nice. Stick with body parts that are factory or factory knock offs and you typically can't go wrong. :cheers:

Lower it and done!!
 

all your car needs is a 1.5 inch drop. no need for side skirts. i was at a porshce show this weekend. the nicest boxster on the lot was a boxster that was sitting on 19z and lowered 1.5 inches. nothing else down. i've done everything to my car as far as exterior goes, and i loved how simple this car looked. your car only
needs to be lowered!!!!!!!!!! take my advice, people have always thought that i do my cars up nice and simple. okay maybe i've over done the boxster just a little bit...the rims for sure are over kill...but the look i was going for!

Grizzly, your car looks great as it is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzly Based on everyone's opinion, I've decided to add one skirt to the passenger side. ... IMO, Jeph's car is probably the most tasteful on the board, so I tend to listen carefully to what he has to say...not to mention that the design dyno never lies. I also agree that Randall can get away with additions that I can't because his car is black (that's cheating, Randall).

The skirt on one side solution is brilliant! Like Miley Cyrus, you get the best of both worlds (you may need to be under 16 years old to get that reference).

Thanks for the compliments Grizz! That made my day. And I spent a LOT of money on that design dyno, the least you could do is listen to what IT has to say.

dude, just go look at the pic that i did for you (the one where its lowered), and thats all i gotta say.
my car has a stock bumper and no skirts, just lowered, and its perfect if u ask me.

my bad jeph! :D

Perfectlap,

Love the side skirt!

Trieullionaire

I say if you are going to add side skirts, get a new front bumper as well. Just adding side skirts to me without the lines meeting up with the front bumper looks out of place. That's why they usually sell these parts as "COMPLETE KITS" including the skirts and front bumper together. As for the rear, you already have the diffusers added to your rear bumper so I think it would complete the lines of the car with added side skirts. Make it all an even level. :cheers:

DJ, I agree with you. I tend to lower all of my cars. Unfortunately, Ellen says no to lowering the Boxster. It is her car, after all.

During a recent garage reorganization at Grizzly's house...

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...1/DSC00925.jpg

Well I'll add my 2 cents I guess. ;)

I think your car is beautifully clean looking and would be perfect on 18's, but since you went with 19's it needs to be lowered. If lowering is out of the question then it needs skirts.

If you're still looking for some random opinions - I would say skirt it!

Just buying my car - my wife needs some "cool-down" period before I invest more $$ into mods. However skirts are very high on my wish list.

I can't quite explain why, but I find skirts makes our 986's look a few years younger - and that's never a bad thing.

I like skirts, my a world of difference on my little lady and the car looks good too.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/...888e6e.jpg?v=0

Just throwing in my thoughts again, here's my pre-facelift 986 with the Aerokit I skirts on:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...n/112_1294.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...112_1292-1.jpg

gosh..looking at your guys car makes me want to work extra hours so I could do the ff:
1) Front end repainted. Needed it real bad coz' looks like someone use a salt shaker in the front hood and bumber :(
2) Get the Front bumper like TriGem or Wingnut
3) And the side skirts like Davej

Yah Grizz, wifey (Elena is her name) don't want her car lowered too but she wants me to replace the front end, side skirts and aero wing :D

I told her, I might not do that coz' while she drives her car, I will be driving a 97 Volvo Station Wagon :eek: what happen to the world we're living now...hahahahahaha!